# Speed-Enhancing Jetpacks The 4-Minute-Mile Jetpack Significantly Improves Wearers' Sprint Times By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-09-15 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4minutemile-jetpack References: [washingtontimes](http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/12/pentagons-experimental-4-minute-mile-jetpack-wows-/) & [robotics.fulton.asu.edu](http://robotics.fulton.asu.edu/) The 4-minute-mile jetpack project is an Arizona State University undertaking, funded by the Pentagon's research arm, that aims to come up with [robotic devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoskeleton-technology) to help give military personnel superhuman abilities. The 4-minute-mile jetpack isn't a classic 'jetpack' as such in that it doesn't enable flight, but it does help wearers travel faster. In recent trials with the jetpack, one test subject was able to shave three seconds off his 200-meter sprint time while also carrying [11 extra pounds on his back](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-pack-litespeed-black-magic-edition). The same subject was also able to shave an incredible 18 seconds of his [one mile run speed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worlds-toughest-mile). The jetpack could be used to help soldiers and Navy SEALs get in and out of areas quickly, increasing the likelihood of their succeeding in their missions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Enhanced Performance Gear:** Developing robotic devices, like the 4-minute-mile jetpack, that enhance wearers' speed and agility has the potential to revolutionize the performance gear industry. - **Superhuman Abilities:** Exploring technologies, such as the 4-minute-mile jetpack project, that give military personnel superhuman abilities opens up new possibilities for defense and tactical operations. - **Efficiency in Training:** Utilizing innovative tools like the 4-minute-mile jetpack in training programs can significantly improve athletes' performance and reduce training times, presenting disruptive opportunities for the sports industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sporting Goods:** The development of speed-enhancing gear, like the 4-minute-mile jetpack, presents disruptive opportunities for the sporting goods industry by offering athletes innovative ways to improve their performance. - **Defense and Military Technology:** Integrating technologies such as the 4-minute-mile jetpack into defense and military operations holds the potential to disrupt the industry by equipping personnel with enhanced capabilities for mission success. - **Training and Fitness:** Incorporating advanced tools like the 4-minute-mile jetpack into training programs can revolutionize the training and fitness industry by enabling athletes to achieve exceptional results in less time. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Underwater Jetpack Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kikfin.md) - [Powerfully Propelled VTOL Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drone.md) - [Ultra-Fast One-Person Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspeeder-mk4.md) - [Robotic Brace Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-project-amplify.md) - [Elevated Performance Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaspeed-paris.md) - [Ultra-Fast Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-robotics-moonwalkers.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Performance Running Footwear Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-running-footwear.md) - [Waist-Worn Underwater Thrusters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-thruster.md)